The African Development Bank (AfDB), established in 1964, is the leading pan-African financial institution dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty across the continent. With 81 member countries, including 54 in Africa, the Bank’s focus is aligned with the Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), structured around the “High 5s” priorities: Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
As part of this development agenda, AfDB’s Agriculture, Human and Social Development Complex (AHVP) drives initiatives under “Feed Africa” and “Improve Quality of Life” priorities. Within AHVP, the Water Development and Sanitation Department (AHWS) plays a pivotal role in advancing water security and sanitation across the continent. The African Water Facility (AWF), a special initiative under the AHWS, is now seeking a dynamic and qualified individual to join its team in Nairobi, Kenya, as a Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer.
This is your opportunity to be part of a highly impactful initiative driving water infrastructure, sustainable development, and social transformation in Africa.
About the African Water Facility (AWF)
The African Water Facility (AWF) was initiated by the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) to accelerate investment and innovation in Africa’s water and sanitation sector. It focuses on creating an enabling environment for sustainable water management, preparing investment-ready projects, and financing strategic water-related programs.
With a portfolio exceeding €200 million, AWF supports a broad spectrum of initiatives ranging from institutional reform to urban sanitation planning, promoting green growth, and preparing capital-intensive water infrastructure investments. The AWF is hosted and managed by the African Development Bank.
Position Overview: Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer
The Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer will play a critical role in strengthening the AWF’s presence and impact in the East African Region. Functionally reporting to the AWF Coordinator and administratively to the Director General of the East Africa Regional Office (RDGE), the successful candidate will manage and develop AWF’s sanitation and water infrastructure portfolio, ensuring efficient implementation and measurable outcomes aligned with the AWF strategy.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Identification and Pipeline Development
- Lead and participate in missions to identify, appraise, and prepare water and sanitation projects for AWF financing.
- Conduct dialogue with regional and local stakeholders including governments, utilities, private entities, and civil society to identify investment opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure the timely processing and approval of projects.
2. Portfolio Management
- Supervise projects under implementation to ensure that objectives, timelines, and budgets are met.
- Provide ongoing technical support and ensure compliance with AfDB operational guidelines.
- Review and evaluate project performance through internal assessments and mission reports.
- Lead or participate in the drafting of project completion reports and participate in completion missions.
3. Grant Administration and Technical Support
- Ensure timely signing and effectiveness of grant agreements.
- Assist project recipients in understanding AWF’s operational procedures and AfDB procurement guidelines.
- Conduct field missions and desk reviews to track project progress and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
- Engage with implementing teams to monitor, evaluate, and report on key milestones and outcomes.
4. Knowledge Management and Dissemination
- Develop and share knowledge products that highlight lessons learned and innovative practices in the sector.
- Contribute to analytical work and sectoral studies that inform country-level sanitation and water policy development.
- Support internal and external knowledge exchange initiatives and promote harmonized service delivery standards.
5. Strategic Partnerships and Coordination
- Coordinate with stakeholders, donors, and development partners to align efforts and maximize impact.
- Represent AWF at regional and international forums, conferences, and seminars related to water and sanitation.
- Support strategic planning processes including the development of AWF’s Annual Reports, Work Plans, and Budgets.
6. Institutional Support and Capacity Building
- Advise regional member countries (RMCs) on water security and integrated water resources management.
- Help identify and address institutional reform and capacity-building needs in the sector.
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff and stakeholders.
Required Experience and Competencies
- Minimum of five (5) years post-qualification experience in the water and sanitation sector.
- Deep knowledge of integrated water resource management, sanitation solutions, and infrastructure development.
- Familiarity with project preparation, investment planning, climate resilience, and PPP financing mechanisms.
- Experience working in multicultural environments and with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and communicate effectively in English or French (with working knowledge of the other).
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of SAP is an added advantage.
- Practical experience with International Development Financing Institutions (DFIs) is highly desirable.
What We Offer
This position offers a unique opportunity to work with one of the continent’s most respected development institutions. You’ll engage in transformative work that directly contributes to achieving Africa’s water security and improving millions of lives.
You’ll also benefit from a supportive team environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape large-scale infrastructure projects and policies across East Africa.
How to Apply
If you are currently employed at the African Development Bank as regular staff, please click the button below to apply.
